"Listener" -- from Lisa Gloria

Steven Sweeney · 11-09-2003, 09:20 PM

Some posting problems with a corrupted image file again result in my mug alongside another member's submission.

This is in fact offered for critique by Lisa Gloria.

11-09-2003, 10:24 PM

Thank you very much Steven! I don't know what my problem is, but I can never upload a file over 21KB. Steven helped me out.

This is a study for a painting I'm working on, The Listener. I just received Tony Ryder's book and I believe this is the first finished drawing I've ever done.

9 x 12, pencil and white Conte on Mi Tientes paper. I did notice the uneven nostrils and fixed them a little while ago. All comments and suggestions are welcomed and encouraged!

Thanks!
Lisa

Kimberly Dow · 11-09-2003, 11:29 PM

That's a nice drawing, Lisa.

Is the pole uneven? I have to scroll back & forth to see the entire thing, so I am not sure.

That reminds me of a photo I took of my daughter, except she was behind 2 of them and looked like she was in jail.

Erika Nelson · 11-10-2003, 03:47 AM

Hi Lisa,

This is beautiful, I love the angle and the expression on her face. I'm guessing she's light haired. I think some separation of shapes needs to be defined more in the area right above her underarm, where the hair, the arm and the pole all end up.

Is this the whole composition or a detail study?

11-11-2003, 12:53 PM

Hi Kim,

Yep, the pole is a little bowed, but I'm fixing that in the painting. Glad you liked it.

Hi Erica,

This is about 1/3 of the final composition. The expression on her face is a little fussy. I wanted her to appear attentive and engaged, but not frightened or learning disabled. The wide eyes, slack lips and large teeth, in the painting at least, were a fright to deal with. So this really helped me work out the position and values. I got the expression I wanted, so I am happy.

Regarding the values, I think it's easier to see on the original, but I know what you mean. And yep, she's a light auburn.

I won't be posting the final painting here, because as a whole, the composition is more figural than portrait-y. Ya'll can see it on my website in a couple weeks.

Linda Brandon · 11-11-2003, 07:32 PM

Hi Lisa,

I like this drawing and using the "wrong side" of the paper adds to its charm. I can't believe it's your first finished drawing.

11-11-2003, 07:43 PM

Linda,

Is that the wrong side of the paper? Seriously?

Well, that should prove it. This is the first one. I should clarify - I have loads of sketches and drawings that I've done for fun, for class way back when, or to work out ideas for paint. After some of the stuff on SOG, I realized I'd never done a drawing just as it own thing, to a really finished state, attempting to utilize the drawing tools to their full potential. I didn't really know pencils could do that. Looking back on my sketches, they're pretty sad.

So I got Tony Ryder's book and it's a whole new world.

Thanks for the tip! I'll turn the paper over now.

Linda Brandon · 11-12-2003, 11:07 AM

I have to tell you about my 8 year old niece, who is a wonderful, gifted artist. She painted an 11 x 14 canvas for me for Christmas and decorated the stretcher bars with flowers on the back, "in case I get bored with the front and want to see something new." That's thinking like an artist! I just love that kid.

Anyway, I shouldn't have used the word "wrong", I should have used "rough". You will probably have an easier time getting Ryder's subtle tonal modeling effects in graphite on a smoother surface. Generally, though, it's completely a matter of preference.

I have a motley collection of drawing papers and I'm never sure what I have in front of me unless I buy it the same day that I use it or have the rare foresight to write on the edge of it exactly what it is.

Lately I've been experimenting with watercolor papers (Fabriano's Uno, which I think has been renamed) and illustration boards. I've been playing with watercolor grounds for drawings on the watercolor paper and I blame Scott Bartner for getting me started with this.

Jimmie Arroyo · 11-14-2003, 08:06 PM

Lisa,
This is a very beautiful drawing, you've obviously had it in you. I also have the Ryder book, very informative. The first thing that hits me tho, that it's on yellow paper. Could also be the screen, but the white looks strong , almost fighting the yellow.

Someone please correct me, I also don't like working on the rough side, but I heard that the mounted Canson paper exposes the rough side, making it sound like the 'correct' side. When I buy single sheets at Pearl Paint, the price label is on the rough side.???

Canson makes a tan-gray color with a 'speckled' look which takes pencil and white highlights beautifully. Good luck with your new direction.

11-14-2003, 10:02 PM

Thanks for the feedback Jimmie. I really enjoy your drawings and keep your work in mind too when I'm doing this one and the new one I have on the board.

Yeah, the yellow paper has really started to bug me too. I'll keep in mind about the greys. How about a nice medium tan color?

I was surprised this was the wrong side of the paper too because that's the way it came in the package, rough side up, so I figured that was the way to go. The Canson charcoal paper is that way too but the texture is a much subtler laid texture, and when I started a drawing on the smoother side, it seems so smooth I'm not sure how much graphite it will accept. So hey. Live and learn I guess.

Thanks for the encouragement!

Linda, I think those toned papers sound like an addictive pleasure. It seems like one wouldn't so much suffer from blank canvas disease if the paper (or canvas) were toned. Maybe I should try that too!

Best
Lisa